Question 1

One of the problems with using an evoked set is that

Accepted Answer

The evoked set can lead to ignoring important differences between different situations, which can lead to poor decision making. The other options do not relate to the specific problem with using an evoked set.

Question 2

One function of perceptions in the decision-making process is an "integrating" function. This means that perceptions

Accepted Answer

Perceptions allow individuals to gather information from their environment and interpret it to form a coherent understanding. This integrative function allows individuals to synthesize information and make sense of it, which can then be used to inform decision-making. Thus, choice C, "permit an individual to synthesize and interpret information," is the best answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the integrative function of perceptions in the decision-making process. Choice E is incorrect as perceptions can be biased or influenced by various factors.

Question 3

Many situations have benefited from track-two diplomacy, including

Accepted Answer

Track-two diplomacy was instrumental in facilitating the peaceful secession of Eritrea from Ethiopia in 1993. This involved unofficial negotiations between representatives from both sides, including academics, civil society leaders, and retired diplomats.

Answer: E
 During the Cuban Missile Crisis, track-two diplomacy played a vital role in defusing tensions between the United States and Soviet Union. Scholars and former officials from both sides met in secret to discuss potential solutions to the crisis, which helped to prevent a nuclear war.

The other options are not examples of track-two diplomacy. The conduct of the Vietnam War, rescue of hostages in Iran, and end of the Persian Gulf War primarily involved official government negotiations and actions, rather than the involvement of non-state actors in mediation and negotiation.

Question 4

Private individuals often affect international relations by

Accepted Answer

Private individuals, such as activists or humanitarian workers, may engage in activities that official representatives are unwilling or unable to participate in, such as providing aid to vulnerable populations in conflict zones or advocating for human rights. These activities can have an impact on international relations.

Question 5

The psychological bias that leads individuals to select or amplify information that supports their existing beliefs and ignore or downplay contradictory information is called

Accepted Answer

The psychological bias described is known as cognitive consistency, which is the tendency to seek out and believe information that is consistent with our existing beliefs, while ignoring or rejecting information that is inconsistent. The other options do not accurately describe this phenomenon. Groupthink refers to an emphasis on group harmony at the expense of critical thinking, mirror imaging refers to assuming others perceive and think the same as we do, satisficing refers to accepting the first option that meets our minimum requirements, and rationality refers to decision-making based on reasoning and logic.

Question 6

Using evoked sets, mirror images, and cognitive consistency are all

Accepted Answer

Evoked sets, mirror images, and cognitive consistency are psychological techniques that help individuals process and evaluate information. These techniques assist individuals in making more informed decisions by organizing information, creating mental images, and ensuring that their beliefs and attitudes are consistent with their decisions. They are not influenced by belief systems that are easily changed, nor are they components of the groupthink model, and they do not provide individuals with perfect and complete information in decision making. While they are consistent with the rational model of decision making, they are not limited to this particular model.

Question 7

Groupthink occurs when

Accepted Answer

Groupthink occurs when individuals in a group suppress their motivation to pursue alternative choices in order to maintain group harmony and conformity. This can lead to flawed decision-making and a lack of consideration for potentially better options.

Question 8

________ is the tendency to look for details in a present situation that are similar to information previously obtained, leading one to conclusions that are similar to those of the past.

Accepted Answer

An evoked set refers to the tendency to focus on details in a current situation that resemble past information, leading to similar conclusions.

Question 9

Decision makers can minimize mistakes due to various misperceptions by

Accepted Answer

By making assumptions and beliefs explicit, decision makers are more likely to recognize any potential biases or misperceptions they may have, and can work to correct them. Using evoked sets, censoring dissenters, working together in small or large groups may not necessarily address the underlying misperceptions or biases.

Question 10

During the 1956 Suez Crisis, British prime minister Eden compared Egyptian president Nasser to Hitler, drawing the analogy that since Hitler could not be appeased at Munich, Nasser could not be appeased here. This is an example of using

Accepted Answer

An evoked set refers to the tendency to compare a current situation to past situations that are similar, which is what Eden did by comparing Nasser to Hitler.

Question 11

What does mirror imaging entail?

Accepted Answer

Mirror imaging refers to the tendency of individuals and groups to see in their opponent the opposite characteristics seen in themselves.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of mirror imaging?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 13

Personality characteristics affect the leadership of ________ more than ________ because the former are less likely to be checked by institutions than the latter.

Accepted Answer

The statement implies that institutions have mechanisms in place to check the leadership of democratic leaders, but dictators have no such checks in place. Therefore, the personality characteristics of a dictator would have a greater impact on their leadership style than those of a democratic leader.

Question 14

Recent work has expanded the application of groupthink to explain

Accepted Answer

The answer of Recent work has expanded the application of...

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of track-two diplomacy?

Accepted Answer

Track-two diplomacy refers to unofficial, informal and often private efforts to resolve conflicts, build relationships and promote understanding between different groups or nations. Option B describes an example of track-two diplomacy where a third-party mediator (the Norwegian sociologist) is working to improve relations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization outside of formal government channels. The other options all involve official government-level negotiations and actions.

Question 16

The set of images created by perceptions and that guide individuals in making certain policy choices are collectively called

Accepted Answer

The set of images created by perceptions that guide individuals in making certain policy choices refer to their belief system. A belief system is a set of interrelated values, attitudes, and opinions that guide behavior and decision-making.

Question 17

How does satisficing differ from rational decision making?

Accepted Answer

Satisficing involves choosing the first option that meets an acceptable level of satisfaction, rather than analyzing all options and choosing the optimal solution. Rational decision making involves analyzing all options and choosing the option that maximizes benefits while minimizing costs. Therefore, the main difference between satisficing and rational decision making is that satisficing does not always result in choosing the optimal solution, while rational decision making strives to do so. Options A-D are all parts of the rational decision making process, but they do not distinguish satisficing from rational decision making.

Question 18

What is track-two diplomacy?

Accepted Answer

Track-two diplomacy involves using individuals or groups outside of government to help resolve conflicts. These individuals may include academics, business leaders, or religious leaders who have connections or influence in the countries involved in the conflict. This type of diplomacy can complement the official government-to-government talks and provide new perspectives and solutions to complex issues.

Question 19

Many international relations theorists argue that the rational model of decision making does not accurately reflect reality because, in actuality, individual decision makers are

Accepted Answer

International relations theorists argue that individuals bring their personal experiences and beliefs to their decision making processes, which can lead to irrational or suboptimal decisions. This is in contrast to the rational model, which assumes that individuals have access to all relevant information and will make decisions based solely on rational calculation. Therefore, Option C is the best choice as it reflects the commonly held critiques of the rational model of decision making. The other options (A, B, D, and E) do not accurately reflect these critiques.

Question 20

One function of perceptions in the decision-making process is an "orienting" function. This means that perceptions

Accepted Answer

Perceptions provide guidance about future expectations by helping individuals understand and anticipate what might happen, thus orienting them in their decision-making process.

Quiz 6: The Individual